2017 Washington Spirit season

Washington Spirit
2017 season
General managerChris Hummer
Head coachJim Gabarra
StadiumMaryland SoccerPlex
NWSL10th
Top goalscorerMallory Pugh (6)
Highest home attendance5,200
(July 8 vs. Orlando)
Lowest home attendance2,365
(Aug 30 vs. North Carolina)
Average home league attendance3,491

The 2017 season is Washington Spirit's fifth season, competing in the National Women's Soccer League, the top division of women's soccer in the United States.

Review

In the aftermath of finishing 2016 runners-up, the Spirit saw a series of key departures including captain Ali Krieger (traded to Orlando Pride), Christine Nairn and Diana Matheson (both traded to Seattle Reign), and Crystal Dunn leaving for Chelsea, while retaining her contracting rights. In addition to the departures, key injuries to Joanna Lohman, Francisca Ordega, and goalkeeper Kelsey Wys limited the Spirit's playing options.

Unable to adequately replace these players, the Spirit struggled to compete throughout the 2017 season ultimately finishing last (10th) for the first time since the inaugural season.[1] However, building for the future, Gabarra was able to recruit U.S. national team prospect, Mallory Pugh midseason.[2] Pugh would go on to lead the team in scoring, registering 6 goals in 16 games.[3]

Club

Roster

The first-team roster of Washington Spirit.[4]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK  CAN Stephanie Labbé (FP)
2 FW  USA Arielle Ship
3 DF  USA Caprice Dydasco
4 DF  CAN Shelina Zadorsky (FP)
5 DF  USA Whitney Church
6 DF  USA Kassey Kallman
7 MF  DEN Line Sigvardsen Jensen
8 FW  CAN Lindsay Agnew
9 MF  JAM Havana Solaun
10 FW  ARG Estefanía Banini
11 FW  USA Mallory Pugh (FP)
12 MF  USA Morgan Proffitt
No. Pos. Nation Player
14 FW  NGA Francisca Ordega
15 MF  USA Joanna Lohman
17 FW  USA Cali Farquharson
18 GK  USA Kelsey Wys
20 FW  JAM Cheyna Williams
21 GK  BIH DiDi Haracic
22 DF  USA Alyssa Kleiner
23 MF  USA Tori Huster
24 DF  CMR Estelle Johnson
27 FW  CHI Yanara Aedo
29 MF  USA Megan Dougherty Howard
  • (FP) = Federation player

Team management

Owner Bill Lynch
General Manager Jim Gabarra
Head Coach Jim Gabarra

Source:[4]

Competitions

Preseason

On February 2, the Washington Spirit announced its preseason schedule.[5]

March 18, Sat Washington Spirit 3–0 Penn State University Boyds, Maryland
14:00 EDT (UTC-04) Stengel 34'
Mewis 43', 53'
[p 1] Stadium: Maryland Soccerplex
Attendance: 300
Note: Played in three 30-minute periods.
March 25, Sat Washington Spirit 5–0 University of North Carolina Leesburg, Virginia
18:30 EDT (UTC-04) Sigvardsen Jensen 35'  58'
Stengel 49'
Williams 52'
Mewis 81'
Agnew 89'
[p 2] Stadium: Evergreen Sportsplex
Attendance: 2,000
April 1, Sat Washington Spirit 4–3 Duke University Boyds, Maryland
14:00 EDT (UTC-04) Stengel 23', 59'
Dougherty Howard 37'
Williams 52'
[p 3] Dorsey 27', 44'
McCoy 41'
Stadium: Maryland Soccerplex
April 8, Sat Washington Spirit 2–0 University of Virginia Boyds, Maryland
19:00 EDT (UTC-04) Mewis 21'
Lohman 65'
[p 4] Stadium: Maryland Soccerplex

Regular season

Sat Apr 15 1 Washington Spirit 0–1 North Carolina Courage Boyds, Maryland
3:00 p.m. Mewis  28'
Zardorsky  82'
[m 1] Zerboni 18'  70' Stadium: Maryland SoccerPlex
Attendance: 2,407
Sat Apr 22 2 Orlando Pride 1–1 Washington Spirit Orlando, Florida
4:00 p.m. Jensen 60'
Kallman  65'
Huster  75'
Report
Box Score
Alleway  59'
Evans 86'
Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: 14,452
Referee: Karen Abt
Sat Apr 29 3 Washington Spirit 0–1 Houston Dash Boyds, Maryland
7:00 p.m. Report
Box Score
Ohai 28'
Benites  59'
Stadium: Maryland SoccerPlex
Attendance: 3,154
Referee: Christina Unkel
Sat May 6 4 Washington Spirit 4–3 Sky Blue FC Boyds, Maryland
7:00 p.m. Ordega 6', 56'
Simon 26' (o.g.)
Solaun 34'
Williams  87'
Report
Box Score
O'Hara 12'
Simon  39'
Killion 50', 71' (pen.)
Stadium: Maryland SoccerPlex
Attendance: 3,190
Sat May 13 5 Seattle Reign FC 6–2 Washington Spirit Seattle, Washington
4:00 p.m. Christine Nairn 20'
Yanez 35'
Kawasumi 69'
Rapinoe 71' (pen.), 76'
Elston 79'
Report
Box Score
Solaun 60'
Mewis 88'
Stadium: Memorial Stadium
Attendance: 3,007
Referee: Victor Rivas
Sat May 20 6 Washington Spirit 0–1 FC Kansas City Boyds, Maryland
7:00 p.m. Ordega  84' Report
Box Score
Newfield 39'
Saurbrunn  48'
Stadium: Maryland SoccerPlex
Attendance: 3,714
Sat May 27 7 FC Kansas City 3–2 Washington Spirit Kansas City, Missouri
8:00 p.m. Leroux 9', 27'
Newfield  15'  70'
Sauerbrunn 60'
Taylor  89'
Report
Box Score
Mewis 5'
Dougherty Howard  39'
Solaun 83'
Ordega  86'
Stadium: Swope Soccer Village
Attendance: 1,728
Sat June 3 8 Washington Spirit 2–0 Houston Dash Boyds, Maryland
7:00 p.m. Williams 3'
Pugh 69'
Report
Box Score
Brooks  63' Stadium: Maryland SoccerPlex
Attendance: 3,096
Sat June 17 9 Chicago Red Stars 1–1 Washington Spirit Bridgeview, Illinois
2:50 p.m. Naughton  31'
Press 82' (penalty)
Report
Box Score
Ordega 42' (Williams)
Howard  62'
Zadorsky  81'
Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 3,189
Referee: Christopher Greer
Assistant referees: Joshua Haimes, Gjovalin Bori
Fourth official: Jeffrey Swartzel
Sat June 24 10 Washington Spirit 1–0 Portland Thorns FC Boyds, Maryland
4:00 p.m. Ordega 19' Report
Box Score
Stadium: Maryland SoccerPlex
Attendance: 4,319
Sat July 1 11 Boston Breakers 1–0 Washington Spirit Boston, Massachusetts
4:00 p.m. Chapman  62'
Purce 72' (White)
Report Johnson  64' Stadium: Jordan Field
Attendance: 2,523
Referee: Elvis Osmanovic
Sat July 8 12 Washington Spirit 2–2 Orlando Pride Boyds, Maryland
4:00 p.m. Pugh 24' (Ordega), 90' (pen.) Report Marta 10', 56' (pen.) Stadium: Maryland SoccerPlex
Attendance: 5,200
Sat July 15 13 Houston Dash 2–1 Washington Spirit Houston, Texas
8:30 p.m. Poliana 25' (Beckie)
Andressinha 53' (Daly)
Van Wyk  59'
Report Johnson 75' (Solaun) Stadium: BBVA Compass Stadium
Attendance: 3,332
Sat July 22 14 Portland Thorns FC 2–1 Washington Spirit Portland, Oregon
10:00 p.m. Sykes  30'
Long 62'
Weber 80'
Report
Box Score
Ship  12'
Solaun 58'
Dydasco  72'
Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 18,478
Fri August 4 15 Sky Blue FC 1–4 Washington Spirit Piscataway, New Jersey
7:00 p.m. Hayes 2' Report
Box Score
Ship 51'
Church  57'
Williams 61'
Howard 73'
Solaun 87'
Stadium: Yurcak Field
Attendance: 2,496
Tue August 8 16 Orlando Pride 3–0 Washington Spirit Orlando, Florida
7:00 p.m. Evans  45'
Marta 52'
Pereira 57'
Umogagu  62'
Morgan 64'
Report
Box Score
Stadium: Orlando City Stadium
Attendance: 4,273
Referee: Christina Unkel
Sat August 12 17 Washington Spirit 2–2 Boston Breakers Boyds, Maryland
4:00 p.m. Johnson 6'
Williams 64'
Report Leon 44' 79'
Salem  90+5'
Stadium: Maryland SoccerPlex
Attendance: 3,722
Referee: Danielle Chesky
Sat August 19 18 North Carolina Courage 2–0 Washington Spirit Cary, North Carolina
4:00 p.m. Hatch 46'
Kallman 84' (o.g.)
Dahlkemper  90+2'
Report Dydasco  55'
Farquharson  83'
Stadium: WakeMed Soccer Park
Attendance: 3,530
Referee: Elvis Osmanovic
Sat August 26 19 Washington Spirit 1–2 Chicago Red Stars Boyds, Maryland
7:00 p.m. Williams 81'
Johnson  90+3'
Report Kristen Mavis 23'
Mautz  66'
Colaprico  70'
Press 87'
Stadium: Maryland SoccerPlex
Attendance: 3,469
Referee: Kevin Broadley
Wed August 30 20 Washington Spirit 2–3 North Carolina Courage Boyds, Maryland
7:30 p.m. Banini 8'
Farquharson  23'
Huster  45'
Williams 73'
Report Mewis 45+1'
McDonald 61' 66'
Stadium: Maryland SoccerPlex
Attendance: 2,365
Referee: Amber O'Connor
Sat September 2 21 Portland Thorns FC 4–0 Washington Spirit Portland, Oregon
4:30 p.m. Nadim 22'
Sinclair 25' 81'
Reynolds  36'
Sonnett 40'
Report Haracic  21' Stadium: Providence Park
Attendance: 19,141
Referee: Ekaterina Koroleva
Sun September 10 22 Sky Blue FC 1–2 Washington Spirit Piscataway, New Jersey
6:00 p.m. Hayes 43' Report Church 75'
Pugh 85'
Stadium: Yurcak Field
Attendance: 2,008
Referee: Becky Pagan
Sat September 23 23 Washington Spirit 0–3 Boston Breakers Boyds, Maryland
7:00 p.m. Report
Box Score
Dowie 47'
Kallman 54' (o.g.)
Leon 55'
Frisbie  69'
White  77'
Stadium: Maryland SoccerPlex
Attendance: 3,475
Referee: Luis Guardia
Sat September 30 24 Washington Spirit 2–3 Seattle Reign FC Boyds, Maryland
7:00 p.m. Pugh 27', 32' Report
Box Score
Fishlock 71', 90'
Crummer 83'
Stadium: Maryland SoccerPlex
Attendance: 3,780
Referee: Danielle Chesky

Regular-season standings

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 North Carolina Courage 24 16 1 7 38 22 +16 49 NWSL Shield
2 Portland Thorns FC (C) 24 14 5 5 37 20 +17 47 NWSL Playoffs
3 Orlando Pride 24 11 7 6 45 31 +14 40
4 Chicago Red Stars 24 11 6 7 33 30 +3 39
5 Seattle Reign FC 24 9 7 8 43 37 +6 34
6 Sky Blue FC 24 10 3 11 42 51 −9 33
7 FC Kansas City 24 8 7 9 29 31 −2 31
8 Houston Dash 24 7 3 14 23 39 −16 24
9 Boston Breakers 24 4 7 13 24 35 −11 19
10 Washington Spirit 24 5 4 15 30 48 −18 19
Source: NWSL
Rules for classification: Tiebreakers
(C) Champions

Results summary

Overall Home Away
Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts W D L GF GA GD W D L GF GA GD
24 5 4 15 30 48  −18 19 3 2 7 16 21  −5 2 2 8 14 27  −13

Last updated: October 1, 2017.
Source: Match reports

Results by round

Round123456789101112131415161718192021222324
StadiumHAHHAHAHAHAHAAAAHAHHAAHH
ResultLDLWLLLWDWLDLLWLDLLLLWLL
Position[n 1]789710101098810101010910101010101091010
Updated to match(es) played on October 1, 2017. Source: Match reports
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

Postseason playoff

The Spirit struggled to gain any momentum during the 2017 season and were the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention after a home loss to the Chicago Red Stars on August 26 (Week 19).[6]

Squad statistics

Squad statistics are of regular season only

Appearances and goals

As of October 1, 2017[7]
No. Pos Nat Player Total NWSL
Apps Goals Apps Goals
Defenders:
3 DF  USA Caprice Dydasco 16 0 16 0
4 DF  CAN Shelina Zadorsky 21 0 21 0
5 DF  USA Whitney Church 22 1 22 1
6 DF  USA Kassey Kallman 17 0 17 0
12 DF  USA Morgan Proffitt 3 0 3 0
22 DF  USA Alyssa Kleiner 18 0 18 0
Midfielders:
9 MF  JAM Havana Solaun 24 5 24 5
10 MF  ARG Estefania Banini 9 1 9 1
15 MF  USA Joanna Lohman 1 0 1 0
16 MF  USA Cameron Castleberry 2 0 2 0
19 MF  USA Kristie Mewis 8 2 8 2
23 MF  USA Tori Huster 20 0 20 0
24 MF  CMR Estelle Johnson 20 2 20 2
29 MF  USA Megan Dougherty Howard 23 1 23 1
Forwards:
2 FW  USA Arielle Ship 14 1 14 1
7 FW  DEN Line Jensen 9 1 9 1
8 FW  CAN Lindsay Agnew 8 0 8 0
11 FW  USA Mallory Pugh 16 6 16 6
12 FW  USA Katie Stengel 5 0 5 0
13 FW  USA Crystal Thomas 1 0 1 0
14 FW  NGA Francisca Ordega 14 4 14 4
17 FW  USA Cali Farquharson 10 0 10 0
20 FW  JAM Cheyna Williams 21 5 21 5
27 FW  CHI Yanara Aedo 0 0 0 0

Italics indicates player left team midway through season.

Goalkeeper Stats

Last updated: October 1, 2017

No. Nat Player National Women's Soccer League
GP GS MIN W L D GA GAA CS
1 Stephanie Labbe 17 17 1530 4 10 3 30 1.76 2
18 Kelsey Wys 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0
21 DiDi Haracic 7 7 630 1 5 1 18 2.57 0

Transfers

In

Date Player Number Position Previous club Fee/notes
November 17, 2016 Kristie Mewis 19 MF Boston Breakers Trade[8]
November 17, 2016 Kassey Kallman 6 DF Boston Breakers Trade[8]
December 21, 2016 Havana Solaun 9 MF Seattle Reign FC Trade for Rights, Signed[9][10]
February 10, 2017 DiDi Haracic 21 GK Washington Spirit Reserves Signed[11]
March 10, 2017 Lindsay Agnew 8 FW Ohio State 2017 Draft Pick[12]
March 10, 2017 Megan Dougherty Howard 29 MF Florida 2017 Draft Pick[12]
April 5, 2017 Arielle Ship 2 FW California 2017 Draft Pick[13]
April 5, 2017 Cameron Castleberry 16 MF North Carolina 2017 Draft Pick[13]
April 27, 2017 Crystal Thomas 13 FW Georgetown University Signed[14]
May 13, 2017 Mallory Pugh 11 FW UCLA Signed via Distribution Ranking Order[2]
June 19, 2017 Estefanía Banini 10 FW Valencia Féminas CF Signed pending international transfer certificate[15]
June 27, 2017 Yanara Aedo 27 FW Valencia Féminas CF Signed pending international transfer certificate[16]
August 23, 2017 Morgan Proffitt 12 MF Chicago Red Stars Signed after waived[17]

Out

Date Player Number Position New club Fee/notes
October 18, 2016 Estefanía Banini 10 MF Valencia Féminas CF Free[18]
October 19, 2016 Laura del Rio 57 FW Waived[19]
November 2, 2016 Ali Krieger 11 DF Orlando Pride Trade[20]
November 17, 2016 Megan Oyster 4 DF Boston Breakers Trade[8]
April 22, 2016 Christine Nairn 7 MF Seattle Reign FC Trade[9]
January 2, 2017 Crystal Dunn 19 FW Chelsea L.F.C. Free[21]
January 23, 2017 Diana Matheson 8 MF Seattle Reign FC Trade[22]
May 19, 2017 Crystal Thomas 13 FW Waived[23]
June 28, 2017 Katie Stengel 12 FW Boston Breakers Waived[24]
June 28, 2017 Cameron Castleberry 16 MF Waived[24]
August 21, 2017 Kristie Mewis 19 FW Chicago Red Stars Trade for 2018 First round draft pick[25]

Honors and awards

Month Goalkeeper Defenders Midfielders Forwards Ref.
April Stephanie Labbé Estelle Johnson [26]
June Stephanie Labbé Estelle Johnson [27]
Week Result Player Ref.
4 Won Francisca Ordega [28]
15 Won Arielle Ship [29]
20 Won Whitney Church [30]
Week Result Player Ref.
11 Won Stephanie Labbé [31]
20 Won DiDi Haracic
Whitney Church
[32]

See also

References

  1. ^ Emily Kesel (October 24, 2017). "2017 NWSL season review: Washington Spirit". Vavel. Retrieved January 14, 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Washington Spirit acquires U.S. Women's National Team forward Mallory Pugh". washingtonspirit.com. May 13, 2017. Retrieved May 14, 2017.
  3. ^ Emily Kesel (October 24, 2017). "2017 NWSL season review: Washington Spirit". vavel.com. Retrieved January 17, 2017.
  4. ^ a b "Washington Spirit". washingtonspirit.com. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
  5. ^ "Washington Spirit Preseason Schedule Features First Ever Game in Virginia". nwslsoccer.com. February 2, 2017. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  6. ^ "Washington Spirit's NWSL playoff hopes extinguished after 2-1 loss to Chicago Red Stars". Black and Red United. August 27, 2017. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
  7. ^ "2017 NWSL Season Stats". soccerway.com. Retrieved October 1, 2017.
  8. ^ a b c "Washington Spirit Acquires Kristie Mewis, Kassey Kallman, and No. 1 Spot in the Distribution Ranking Order from Boston Breakers". washingtonspirit.com. November 17, 2016. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  9. ^ a b "Washington Spirit Acquires Havana Solaun, Three Draft Picks from Seattle Reign FC for Christine Nairn". washingtonspirit.com. November 10, 2016. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  10. ^ "Washington Spirit Signs Midfielder Havana Solaun". washingtonspirit.com. December 21, 2016. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  11. ^ "Washington Spirit Signs Goalkeeper DiDi Haracic". washingtonspirit.com. February 10, 2017. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  12. ^ a b "Spirit signs 2017 NWSL College Draft picks Lindsay Agnew and Meggie Dougherty Howard". washingtonspirit.com. March 10, 2017. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  13. ^ a b "Washington Spirit officially signs rookies Arielle Ship and Cameron Castleberry". washingtonspirit.com. April 5, 2017. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  14. ^ "Washington Spirit signs forward Crystal Thomas". washingtonspirit.com. April 27, 2017. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  15. ^ Lombardo, Kayla (June 19, 2017). "Washington Spirit sign Argentine international forward Estefanía Banini". www.excellesports.com. Excelle Sports. Archived from the original on October 5, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2017. The Spirit's announcement lists her as a forward, while the team roster lists her as a midfielder.
  16. ^ Blakely, Chris (June 27, 2017). "Washington Spirit announce the signing of Yanara Aedo". Vavel. Retrieved June 27, 2017.
  17. ^ "Washington Spirit claims midfielder Morgan Proffitt off NWSL waivers". August 23, 2017. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  18. ^ Caitlin Buckley (October 18, 2016). "It looks like Estefania Banini has left the Washington Spirit for Valencia CF". BlackandRedUnited.com. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  19. ^ Caitlin Buckley (October 19, 2016). "Washington Spirit waive Laura del Rio, Estefania Banini still might return". BlackandRedUnited.com. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  20. ^ "Washington Spirit Defender Ali Krieger Traded to Orlando Pride". washingtonspirit.com. November 2, 2016. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  21. ^ "Washington Spirit Forward Crystal Dunn to Play for Chelsea Ladies FC". washingtonspirit.com. January 3, 2017. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  22. ^ Steven Goff (January 23, 2017). "Washington Spirit trades Diana Matheson to Seattle Reign". Washington Post. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  23. ^ "Washington Spirit waives forward Crystal Thomas". Washington Spirit. May 19, 2017. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  24. ^ a b "Washington Spirit waives Katie Stengel and Cameron Castleberry". Washington Spirit. June 28, 2017. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
  25. ^ "Washington Spirit trades Mewis to Chicago for 2018 NWSL College Draft first round pick". Washington Spirit. August 21, 2017. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
  26. ^ "April Team of the Month announced". NWSL. May 4, 2017. Retrieved May 7, 2017.
  27. ^ Linehan, Meg (June 30, 2017). "June Team of the Month announced". NWSL. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
  28. ^ Purdy, Jacqueline. "Francisca Ordega named Player of the Week". NWSL. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  29. ^ "Best of 2017: Players of the Week". National Women's Soccer League. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  30. ^ "Best of 2017: Players of the Week". National Women's Soccer League. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  31. ^ "Save of the Week: Stephanie Labbé". National Women's Soccer League. July 5, 2017. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
  32. ^ "Save of the Week: DiDi Haracic and Whitney Church". September 12, 2017. Retrieved September 27, 2017.
Match reports (preseason)
  1. ^ "Washington Spirit Opens Preseason with 3–0 Win over Penn State University". washingtonspirit.com. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  2. ^ "Washington Spirit Stays Undefeated in Preseason with 5–0 Win over UNC". washingtonspirit.com. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  3. ^ "Washington Spirit continues undefeated preseason with win over Duke University". washingtonspirit.com. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  4. ^ "Washington Spirit shuts out UVA 2–0, completing undefeated preseason". washingtonspirit.com. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
Match reports (regular season)
  1. ^ "Washington Spirit drops 1–0 decision to NC Courage in season opener". washingtonspirit.com. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
Notes
  1. ^ Washington Spirit's position in the league at the end of match day